# Bulbul: Private Code Spaces — Share Files Into Any Vault

> Private photo and file vault with multiple codes for separate secure spaces. (iPhone/iPad app by heewook shin.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bulbul-private-code-spaces/id1532731791 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [heewook shin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1516827497)
- Category: Utilities, Photo & Video
- Price: Free
- Rating: 2.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 26.0 · 52 MB
- Languages: American English, Korean
- Released: 2020-09-25
- Data updated: 2026-07-25
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bulbul-private-code-spaces/id1532731791/reviews.md

## What is Bulbul?

Open the right private workspace by entering its code.

Bulbul is for photos, files, notes, links, and web research that should stay separated by context. One code can open a work space, another can open family files, another can open receipts or private notes.

Code-addressed spaces
- Text codes, patterns, and numeric codes can each open a different space.
- There is no exposed list of every space in the app.
- There is no master password that opens everything at once.
- Decoy spaces are natural: every code opens a real, separate space.

Capture into the right place
- Share files, photos, and links into Bulbul from other apps.
- Pick the code for the space where the item belongs.
- Save YouTube and web links as shortcuts inside the right project.
- Pin widgets to jump directly into a specific space and tab.

Work inside each space
- File manager for folders, documents, images, PDFs, and videos.
- Markdown editor for private notes and read mode.
- Camera that saves directly into the active space, not your camera roll.
- Built-in browser with a separate session per space.
- Per-space iCloud sync controls when you want a space to stay local.

Made for people who
- Keep work files, family photos, project notes, and receipts in separate contexts.
- Share a device but do not want one visible folder of private material.
- Prefer opening only the space they need, instead of unlocking everything.

Important
- Forgotten codes cannot be recovered.
- Bulbul stores data on your device and in the iCloud account you explicitly enable.

Requires iOS 26 or later. Universal app for iPhone and iPad.

## Key features

- Multiple codes for separate vaults
- Integrated file manager
- Markdown editor for notes
- Private in-app browser
- Direct camera saving
- Optional Face ID/Touch ID

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bulbul-private-code-spaces/id1532731791/reviews.md

### 2/5 — What’s encryption algorithm?

*2026-05-26*

The app works very well, but nothing is known about its security. The encryption algorithm is unknown. It is not clear whether the app actually encrypts data with a cryptographic algorithm such as AES‑256, or if it is only hiding the files. Because of this, I do not want to entrust the app with any critical files.

**Developer response:** Thank you for the thoughtful feedback. You’re asking exactly the right question, and I want to be transparent about how the app currently protects your files.

Today, the app uses two main layers of protection. First, all files are stored inside the app’s private container and protected by iOS Data Protection, which uses hardware-backed encryption for data stored on the device. Second, passcodes are used to keep spaces isolated from each other. Your passcode is never stored on the device or in iCloud, and the app cannot reveal or recover it. A passcode only opens its own space and cannot access files from another space.

To be fully transparent, file contents are not yet re-encrypted with a key derived directly from your passcode. At the moment, the passcode provides access control and space isolation on top of iOS’s built-in at-rest encryption.

I’m actively working on adding passcode-derived file encryption as an additional layer, so files will be cryptographically tied to the passcode itself. I really appreciate you holding the app to a high security standard — that’s exactly the right expectation for an app handling sensitive files.

## Frequently asked questions about Bulbul

### Does Bulbul have ads?

Yes, Bulbul contains advertisements. As a free application, ads are displayed to support its development and maintenance.

### What is the rating for Bulbul?

Bulbul has a rating of 2.0 stars from 1 rating. This indicates a low user satisfaction based on the available feedback.

### How does Bulbul's security model work?

Bulbul uses a unique system where each code (text, pattern, or numeric) opens a distinct, isolated space. There is no master password, meaning no single code can access all your stored data.

### Can I recover a forgotten code in Bulbul?

No, forgotten codes cannot be recovered. This is an intentional security feature; a vault with a lost code is designed to be inaccessible, ensuring the privacy of its contents.

### What devices is Bulbul compatible with?

Bulbul is a universal app and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It requires iOS 26 or later.

### How often is Bulbul updated?

The latest version of Bulbul is 2.6.0, last updated on July 1, 2026. This suggests a recent update cycle, though specific frequency is not detailed.

### What age rating does Bulbul have?

Bulbul has an age rating of 17+. This is due to the mature content it may be used to store and the security features it offers.

### How does iCloud sync work in Bulbul?

iCloud sync in Bulbul is managed on a per-vault basis. Users have the option to choose which specific spaces remain strictly on-device and are not synced via iCloud.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.6.1 — 2026-07-11

2.6.1 makes private spaces easier to understand and safer to use.

- The opening screen and tutorial now explain more clearly that every code opens a separate private space.
- Sharing multiple items is now all-or-nothing, with clear feedback if an item cannot be prepared.
- Editors save changes in order and wait for the latest save before closing.
- Browser session recovery and downloads are more resilient, with safer handling of unusually large streaming media.
- Camera recording and voice memo saving are more reliable.
- Biometric links, iCloud space migration, and file protection are safer while preserving existing spaces.

### 2.6.0 — 2026-07-01

- New Siri, Shortcuts, and Spotlight actions let you lock or open Bulbul without launching the app first.
- The Add button is now a floating + you can drag to either edge of the screen — it snaps and remembers its side.
- The widget's bulbul tile became a Quick Memo button; tap it to unlock and open a fresh memo instantly.
- Files list rows now respond to swipe gestures for Delete, Rename, and Set as background. A new "Delete without confirmation" toggle in Settings is there for power users.
- The text editor saves as you type and the edge swipe-back gesture works again.
- Fixed a regression where picking from Files or Photos could briefly flash the lock screen and freeze the UI behind a stale modal.

### 2.5.0 — 2026-05-25

- New Siri, Shortcuts, and Spotlight actions let you lock or open Bulbul without launching the app first.
- The Add button is now a floating + you can drag to either edge of the screen — it snaps and remembers its side.
- The widget's bulbul tile became a Quick Memo button; tap it to unlock and open a fresh memo instantly.
- Files list rows now respond to swipe gestures for Delete, Rename, and Set as background. A new "Delete without confirmation" toggle in Settings is there for power users.
- The text editor saves as you type and the edge swipe-back gesture works again.
- Fixed a regression where picking from Files or Photos could briefly flash the lock screen and freeze the UI behind a stale modal.

### 2.4.0 — 2026-05-19

- New Siri, Shortcuts, and Spotlight actions let you lock or open Bulbul without launching the app first.
- The Add button is now a floating + you can drag to either edge of the screen — it snaps and remembers its side.
- The widget's bulbul tile became a Quick Memo button; tap it to unlock and open a fresh memo instantly.
- Files list rows now respond to swipe gestures for Delete, Rename, and Set as background. A new "Delete without confirmation" toggle in Settings is there for power users.
- The text editor saves as you type and the edge swipe-back gesture works again.
- Fixed a regression where picking from Files or Photos could briefly flash the lock screen and freeze the UI behind a stale modal.

### 2.3.5 — 2026-05-18

- New Siri, Shortcuts, and Spotlight actions let you lock or open Bulbul without launching the app first.
- The Add button is now a floating + you can drag to either edge of the screen — it snaps and remembers its side.
- The widget's bulbul tile became a Quick Memo button; tap it to unlock and open a fresh memo instantly.
- Files list rows now respond to swipe gestures for Delete, Rename, and Set as background. A new "Delete without confirmation" toggle in Settings is there for power users.
- The text editor saves as you type and the edge swipe-back gesture works again.
- Fixed a regression where picking from Files or Photos could briefly flash the lock screen and freeze the UI behind a stale modal.

## More apps by heewook shin

- [심플 로또](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1518576707)
- [Shopping Simple Calculator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shopping-simple-calculator/id1519392157)
- [Simple Censor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-censor/id1532002351)
- [역사 속 오늘 - 오늘의 한국사](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1533062612)
- [Time Boxing: Top3 Task](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/time-boxing-top3-task/id6759822028)

All apps by heewook shin: https://appshunter.io/developer/1516827497

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-25.*